Braces are small clamps that stick with photopolymer glue on each tooth. Placed on the tooth, the brace is passive. In each brace there is a chute through which a flexible arc passes, which actually runs through the entire tooth row, or else through each groove of the teeth glued to the teeth. It is a source of power. It is given a certain starting position, which it all the time seeks to restore and by doing so, the arc changes the position of the tooth it is attached to - it can press the tooth, pull it or rotate it. The elastic arc changes the position of each tooth in the three major planes and arranges them next to each other in the tooth row. Thickness and cross sections are different - thinner, thicker, even thicker, round, rectangular, square and in different stages of treatment change depending on the current needs and the movement we want to do.
How many kinds of braces are there?
The braces can be external - metal, aesthetic, semi-aesthetic, and internal - lingual. There is no difference in treatment quality and outcome, and patients choose their own. They are made of different alloys, also they can be gold or silver.
THE AESTHETIC BRACES are made of composite material. They are less noticeable because they are transparent and merge with the color of the teeth. They do not color or darken over time. They can be ceramic, sapphire and fiberglass. In the SEMI-SIZE BRACES the upper part is ceramic and almost invisible to the others, and the lower part is metallic. This makes them look optically smaller than other types of metal brackets. LIFTING BRACES are placed on the inside of the teeth and are completely invisible to the surrounding. They are usually metallic. Aesthetics are very good, but their cleaning becomes more difficult. They are preferred by older patients and mostly by public figures
How old is it possible for a person to adjust their teeth?
It's never too late to treat with braces. However, at an early age (up to 18 years of age) due to the growth of the jawbone, the treatment is faster. In adults, bones do not grow anymore and may therefore take longer to arrange the teeth. But generally a treatment with braces, regardless of age, occurs from 18 to 24 months, depending on the case. Important for treatment in adults is the presence of periodontitis and bleeding from the gums. Before applying the braces, good periodontal health must be achieved.
Should the way of eating change?
For braces, the patient should know the following: All solid foods are cut into pieces before consumption - apples, carrots, toasted slices, chocolate; cherries, olives, peaches, apricots are consumed after the removal of stones; do not chew gums; it is desirable to avoid eating large nuts (hazelnuts, almonds), seeds and popcorn.
Is hygiene easy to maintain?
No. The braces themselves create discomfort at the beginning, but it is overwhelming. Patient has to get used to the new tooth relief. There are specially crafted brushes for brakes. Tooth brushing should be done after each feeding with horizontal movements. The brush should be changed every month. It is advisable to use antiseptic mouthwashes. Braces, by themselves, are not the cause of diseases between the teeth and the gums. If perfect oral hygiene is maintained, there will be no inflammatory processes or caries. There are also interdental brushes that are useful and help maintain oral hygiene.
Is it possible to have teeth back after the end of treatment with braces?
Once the desired result has been achieved, the brackets are removed and it is imperative to make retention devices to keep the position at hand that prevents the return of the teeth back. Such may be lingual plates, silicone bands and the like.